Trademark Law

The current trademark regulations in Turkmenistan are primarily based on the Trademark Law enacted on November 15, 2008, with amendments introduced on June 19, 2019.

Official Language

Turkmen.

Application Principle

The "first-to-file" principle applies.

Trademark Classification

Turkmenistan adopts the Nice Classification system for goods and services and accepts multi-class applications. Registrable elements include:

• Words
• Names
• Designs
• Sound marks

Protection Period

• Validity of trademark registration:
  - For trademarks filed before November 15, 2008: 10 years from the registration date.
  - For trademarks filed on or after November 15, 2008: 10 years from the application date.
• Renewal: Each renewal extends protection for 10 years.
• Renewal applications can be filed within 12 months before expiration or within a 6-month grace period after expiration (with additional fees).
• Trademarks cannot be reinstated after the grace period.
  - Non-use cancellation period: 3 years of consecutive non-use.

Application Methods

Turkmenistan is a member of international intellectual property treaties, including the TRIPS Agreement, Paris Convention, Nice Agreement, WIPO Convention, and the Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed via:

•  National registration (direct filing in Turkmenistan).
•  Madrid international registration.

Application Process

Steps: Application → Acceptance → Publication → Examination → Approval → Certificate issuance → Post-registration publication

• Application submission: File trademark documents with the Turkmen Patent Office.
• Formality examination: Checks the legality of application documents, trademark samples, and power of attorney. Compliant applications are assigned an application date and application number.
• Publication: Trademarks passing formality examination are published in the official gazette.
• Substantive examination: Assesses registrability, conflicts with prior trademarks, and compliance with prohibited clauses under the Trademark Law.
• Registration approval: Trademarks not opposed during the publication period or successfully defended against opposition are approved, and a certificate is issued.
• Post-registration publication: After registration, the trademark is published again.

Total processing time: Approximately 10–15 months (if no objections, rejections, or oppositions arise).